Based in Co Mayo, Sorcha O'Boyle is an award-winning bridal hairstylist with over 25 years of experience in the hair industry. Here, she chats with us about how she got started, balancing her career with being a mum-of-three, and how being deaf has helped her form an accessible and inclusive ethos for her clientele.
What service do you provide at weddings?
I provide luxury bridal hairstyling for weddings and special occasions. From the bridal trial through to the wedding morning, my focus is on creating beautiful, long-lasting styles while ensuring a relaxed and supportive environment. I can be available from the morning until the evening of the wedding day, and on the next day, if my client wishes.
What inspired you to start this business?
I was inspired to start my business after years of experience in the hair industry and a deep appreciation for the emotional significance of weddings. I saw how impactful it is when a bride feels confident, calm and truly herself on her wedding morning. After working in salons in Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, I wanted to focus solely on luxury bridal hairstyles, and I also wanted to be independent. I have three young children, so it was important for me to be able to create a flexible and healthy work-life balance that suits us all as a family.
What makes your service unique from others in the same space?
I have more than 25 years of experience in the hair industry, and in that time, I have developed a passion and flair for bespoke luxury hair styling. Because I am deaf, I am keenly aware of being as accessible and as inclusive as possible. I keep my bookings limited so that each bride receives a high level of care and attention. It is important to create a calm and organised atmosphere on the wedding morning, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and the bride feels confident.
I want all my clients to be able to enjoy their day, to be relaxed, and to be able communicate with me in a way that they are comfortable – whether or not they have a condition or a disability themselves. I can communicate verbally, but my strength lies in visual communication, which I feel enhances my ability to understand how a bride wants to feel and look. I think everyone should feel seen, heard and celebrated!
What’s your favourite part of your job? Have you had to overcome any challenges along the way?
My favourite part of my job is being part of such a special, meaningful moment in someone’s life. I love the finishing touches — seeing everything come together — and the atmosphere on a wedding morning. I get to meet so many wonderful people, build genuine connections, and often leave feeling like I’ve made new friends rather than just clients.
Being deaf is not really a challenge for me. I can lipread, and I have no problems talking to my clients. Obviously, I cannot use the telephone, but in this day and age, with social media, emails and video calls, there are so many other ways to communicate. In fact, being deaf makes me work twice as hard in terms of being organised and making sure that every detail is planned ahead of time. Rushing and racing are absolutely out of the question. Working calmly and efficiently is essential in terms of creating a relaxed wedding morning for the bride.
How far in advance should a bride-to-be contact you before her wedding?
I recommend that brides get in touch 12–18 months in advance, particularly if they’re marrying during peak wedding season (spring or summer). Popular dates can book up very quickly. That said, I always encourage brides to enquire whenever they have their date secured — even if it’s sooner — as availability can vary.
What does the booking process look like from start to finish?
Once a bride enquires, I first confirm availability and provide a detailed quote along with my pricing and service information. If she wants to proceed, a booking deposit is paid to secure the wedding date, and terms and conditions are shared for peace of mind. A bridal hair trial is then scheduled (usually six to eight weeks before the wedding), where we design and refine the bridal look, discuss timings, accessories, extensions, and hair prep for the bridal party.
In the lead-up to the wedding, I stay in touch to finalise numbers and confirm the ceremony time and morning schedule. On the wedding day, I arrive in plenty of time, so that the atmosphere is calm and enjoyable. I ensure that everyone is ready well ahead of the ceremony so that everyone can enjoy this special and exciting time in the hours before the wedding.
What areas of Ireland do you travel to for weddings? Where are you based?
I was born and raised in the Gaeltacht, in Ceathrú Thaidhg, beside the cliffs of An Binn Bhuí in Erris. Gaeilgeoir líofa atá mo chlann – my family are fluent Irish speakers. So, for obvious reasons, I love going to venues in Gaeltacht areas! I am based in Islandeady, Co Mayo, which is halfway between Westport and Castlebar. I travel all over the West of Ireland, and I am happy to discuss travelling further afield; it all depends on availability and timing.
Travel is charged per kilometre from my base in Mayo. This is always outlined clearly at the booking stage. I really enjoy exploring our country’s stunning landscapes. We are lucky to have so many different settings for weddings, whether it’s wild and dramatic seascapes or charming and intimate old estates.
What’s one of your favourite weddings you’ve worked at and why?
One of my favourite weddings was an intimate, private celebration planned by an international wedding planner. The venue was breathtaking, and the experience was amazing. Alongside the make-up artist and the photographer, we all worked together as a team to look after the bride, from the morning preparations right through to dinner time. Her hair looked flawless throughout, and the entire day felt incredibly calm and personal. This unique event perfectly reflected why I love what I do, creating a luxury yet seamless and stress-free experience, while being part of something meaningful and beautifully planned.
Any advice for brides-to-be when it comes to finding the right wedding suppliers, especially hairstylists and MUAs?
Start early and do your research. Look for real weddings, not just styled photoshoots. Check out reviews and testimonials from other couples as these are invaluable.
When it comes to hair stylists and make-up artists, obviously, you will choose professionals whose skills and work you appreciate, but you also need to feel comfortable in their company. You’ll be spending a lot of time with them, especially on one of the most important days of your life, so you need to click with them in terms of their personality and the atmosphere they create.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about experience, timings, and how they work on the day. A good supplier will always be happy to guide you. And finally, trust your instincts. When you find the right team, you’ll just know.
To learn more, visit Sorcha’s Instagram page. To make an enquiry, please email oboylebridal@gmail.com.
In establishing her business, Sorcha has been supported by Mayo North East – a charitable organisation that supports disadvantaged individuals and groups, community development and tackles social exclusion. Sorcha is grateful for the ongoing support she is receiving from the Erris Workability programme (Inclusive Pathways to Employment) and also the SICAP Back to Work Enterprise Allowance Scheme. Workability is co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training Programme (EIST) 2021-2027 and the Department of Social Protection, and is administered by Pobal. To find out more about these initiatives, contact rosemariemangan@mayonortheastldc.com.
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